It’s tough, right? When you’re trying to pack on some healthy weight, every calorie counts, and finding snacks that are actually *good* for you and also taste amazing can feel like a quest. Trust me, I’ve been there! That’s why I’m so excited to share my own little gem: this homemade Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky. It’s not just jerky; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse that’s easy to make and super satisfying. Forget those bland store-bought options; this recipe brings flavor and function together perfectly!

Why This Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky is a Game Changer

Seriously, making this Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky has been a total game changer for me when I need to boost my calorie intake in a delicious way. It’s so much more than just a tasty snack; it’s packed with goodness that actually helps you meet your goals. Forget struggling to eat more – just snack smarter!

Calorie Dense & Nutrient Rich: This jerky isn’t kidding around when it comes to calories and protein, thanks to the beef chuck roast and the pumpkin. It’s a smart way to add those extra calories you need without feeling weighed down.
The Pumpkin Powerhouse: Don’t underestimate the pumpkin! It adds moisture, fiber, and a whole host of vitamins (like Vitamin A!) that are great for overall health, not just weight gain. Plus, it makes the jerky wonderfully tender.
Homemade Control: You know exactly what’s going into your food. No weird fillers, no excessive sodium. Just wholesome, quality ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
Deliciously Satisfying: The blend of spices with the savory beef and slightly sweet pumpkin creates a flavor profile that’s just addictive. It’s the kind of jerky you’ll look forward to eating.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for this fantastic Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky. It’s pretty straightforward, but having everything ready makes the whole process smooth sailing. First up, you’ll need about two pounds of beef chuck roast. Make sure to slice it super thin, like, almost see-through thin, and always go against the grain of the meat – it makes for way more tender jerky. Trust me on this!

Then, for that special pumpkin twist and extra moisture, grab one cup of plain pumpkin puree. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling; just the pure pumpkin stuff. For the marinade, we’re going with the classics: 1/4 cup of soy sauce for that salty, umami kick, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to add a little depth. We’ll also need 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance things out and help with that lovely caramelization. Finally, let’s add some savory goodness with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and about 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to give it a gentle warmth. Easy peasy!

Crafting Your Perfect Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this amazing Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky! Don’t be intimidated; it’s way simpler than it sounds. It all starts with getting that marinade just right. This recipe follows a similar path to some of our other great jerky ideas, like our Classic Beef Jerky or even our fun Peppered Beef Jerky. First things first, we need to get all those yummy marinade ingredients together.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Grab a good-sized bowl and whisk together the pumpkin puree, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until it’s all nicely blended. Now, toss in your thinly sliced beef. Make sure every single piece is coated – get your hands in there if you need to! This marinade is where all the magic happens, infusing the beef with flavor and helping to preserve it a bit.

The Dehydrating or Baking Process

Once everything is marinating, it’s time to get it dry. You’ve got two options here: a dehydrator or your oven. If you’re using a dehydrator, just lay the beef strips out in a single layer on the trays, making sure they aren’t touching. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to a super low temp, like 170°F (77°C), and lay the strips on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your friend here; it stops things from sticking!

Now, for the patient part: drying. This can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on how thick your slices are and which method you’re using. You’re looking for jerky that’s dry and leathery, but still has a little flex. It shouldn’t snap like a twig, but it also shouldn’t feel squishy. A good way to test is to bend a piece; it should crack slightly but not break cleanly. If you’re using the oven, rotate the pans every hour or so for even drying.

Cooling and Storing Your Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

Once it’s perfectly dried, you gotta resist the urge to eat it all straight away! Let the jerky cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important because warm jerky can create condensation, which leads to mold when you store it. After it’s totally cool, pop it into an airtight container or a zip-top bag. I like to wrap individual portions so they stay fresh longer. Keep it in the fridge if you want it to last for weeks!

Tips for Perfect Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s make your Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky absolutely *chef’s kiss* perfect. A few little tricks up my sleeve can really elevate this. First off, remember how I mentioned slicing the beef against the grain? Do that! It’s seriously a game-changer for tenderness. If you slice with the grain, you’ll end up with jerky that’s tough to chew, and nobody wants that when they’re trying to boost their intake.

As for ingredient quality, I always go for a good quality beef chuck roast. It has enough fat to keep the jerky moist and flavorful, which is exactly what we want for weight gain. And about that pumpkin puree – make absolutely sure it’s just pure pumpkin, not pie filling! Those extra spices and sugars in pie filling can mess with the flavor and drying process. If you’re ever curious about different curing methods, check out our Curing Techniques for Meat guide. And for storage, really, airtight containers and the fridge are key to preventing any spoilage or drying out too fast. You might also want to peek at our Beef Jerky Storage Tips if you’re the planning type!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Jerky

Let’s chat about these ingredients for our Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky. The beef chuck roast is really my go-to because it has that perfect bit of fat that keeps the jerky tender and calorie-dense, which is exactly what we need. If you can’t find chuck, a nice sirloin tip could work, but you might want to add just a *tiny* bit more fat if you can manage it.

As for the sweetener, brown sugar gives it that lovely depth and caramel note. But if you’re out or prefer something else, a little bit of maple syrup or even honey could work in a pinch. Just keep in mind they might change the flavor profile a bit. The key is that you still want that hint of sweetness to balance everything out and keep the jerky tasting great so you actually want to eat it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

Got questions about my Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky? I totally get it! It’s a bit of a unique recipe, so here are some things you might be wondering:

Can I use a different type of pumpkin?

Great question! While I love classic pumpkin puree for its smooth texture and mild flavor, you *could* theoretically use butternut squash puree. Just make sure it’s plain and pureed yourself or from a can without any added spices or sugar. The flavor will be a little different, but it should still work to add moisture and nutrients!

How long does this jerky last?

If you store your Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should stay good for about 2-3 weeks. Making sure it’s fully dried and cooled before storing is key to its longevity. If you plan on keeping it longer, you can also freeze it for a few months!

Is this jerky suitable for my dog?

You know, I always recommend checking with your vet before giving any new food item to your furry friends, especially one specifically designed for human weight gain. While it’s made with relatively simple ingredients, the seasonings and fat content might not be ideal for all dogs long-term. You can always reach out to us via our contact page if you have super specific concerns, or check out our about page for more general guidelines on pet nutrition from our team!

Why is it so important to slice against the grain?

This is a biggie for jerky texture! Slicing *against* the grain means you’re cutting across the muscle fibers. When you dehydrate it, those fibers will shrink and tighten, leaving you with tender, chewy jerky that’s easy to bite. If you slice *with* the grain, the fibers stay long and intact, making the jerky much tougher and more difficult to chew. Nobody wants a jaw workout with their snack!

Nutritional Snapshot of Your Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

So, you’re curious about what’s packed into this tasty Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky? Here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in each 1-ounce serving. Keep in mind these are estimates, and your exact numbers might vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use and how long you dehydrate it!

Expect around 150 calories, with about 15 grams of protein to keep you full and help build muscle. You’re also looking at roughly 7 grams of fat (that’s the good stuff for calories!) and about 7 grams of carbohydrates, including a gram of fiber. It’s a fantastic way to snack smart and fuel your body!

Beef Pumpkin Weight Gain Jerky

Author: dogtf.com
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 pound 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade jerky recipe designed to add calories and nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Combine pumpkin puree, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
Add beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat your oven to 170°F (77°C) or prepare your dehydrator.
Arrange beef slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or on dehydrator trays.
Bake or dehydrate until the jerky is dry and leathery, about 4-8 hours, depending on your method and desired texture.
Let the jerky cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

For a spicier jerky, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Ensure beef is sliced against the grain for a more tender jerky.
Store jerky in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Snack
Method: Dehydrating
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ounce
Calories: 150
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: beef jerky, pumpkin jerky, weight gain jerky, homemade jerky, high calorie snack, protein snack